Dr Henry Kiogora,Head of Department School of Business & Economics, Zetech University.
PARENTS CHALLENGED TO PROTECT THEIR KIDS FROM EXPLOITATION DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
As Christmas festivities continue to draw nearer, parents and guardians have been called upon to prioritise the safety and well-being of their children by closely monitoring their movements and company.
Education stakeholders expressed concerns that quite often, school-going children become the most vulnerable to drug peddlers who exploit them in their unlawful dealings.
The educationists emphasized the importance of shielding children from risky behaviours and negative influences saying that parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children are safe and protected during the season of merry.
Addressing form four leavers at Zetech University main campus in Ruiru, Kiambu County, the concerned stakeholders singled out uptake of drug and substance abuse, fornication, petty crimes, and other forms of social deviance as key areas that parents should protect their children from.
During the holiday, parents should embark on giving children proper advice and moral support as well as talking to them whenever they seem to be bothered with problems. It will be regrettable to witness cases of innocent children engaging in anti-social behaviors such as alcoholism,” Dr Henry Kiogora, a don at Zetech University said.
The Business and Economics don, who noted that teenage pregnancies were becoming prevalent in the country challenged parents to especially protect their girls from being preyed on during the Christmas holiday.
He told parents to have open communication and create time for their teenage children as a protective measure so that the kids can confide in them their issues.
On her part, Veronica Kamau called on the society to take up responsibility of taking care of children saying it too has a role to play in ensuring that children are safe and at the right place at all times.
Kamau noted that children are more vulnerable during long holidays due to their increased free time and the temptations that come with it and urged parents to keep them actively engaged in constructive activities such as participating in church programmes such as seminars, and conferences; household chores; and hobbies to keep them occupied.
Kamau expressed concerns that children who indulge themselves in drugs and alcohol become potential targets of criminals who defile or rape them and called for zero-rating of such habits for the safety of our children.
According to Mwalimu Vincent, an elderly man from Kariua village in Gatundu North, most people overspend during the festive season only to begin crying foul in January when their pockets are extremely dry.
The elderly man consequently advised Kenyans and especially men to spend wisely given the harsh economic times many face at the beginning of every year popularly referred to as njaanuary.
In most instances, Kenyans overspend on food, decorations and gifts during the festivities.
Ends
